Town Square

City Council sets Oak Grove hearings for March 4

Original post made
on Feb 20, 2008

The City Council last night agreed to schedule a series of public discussions March 4 on the controversial Oak Grove project, a multi-million-dollar luxury home and open space plan it approved last fall for the hills above Kottinger Ranch and Vintage Hills.

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Feb 20, 2008 at 5:56 pm

PW, you forgot to mention the third scenario, which would be the possibility of one of the parties appealing to a higher court. It is possible that could delay a vote further until a November election.

Posted by frank
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Feb 20, 2008 at 8:19 pm

Yes, there is no "today's decision". Later in the text is written
"If Roesch decides Friday that..."

Seems like this article was written for Friday's publication.

Also, I agree that this complaint is a likely candidate for appeal if the Lin's lose, because the Appellate courts have been the primary venue to settle land use disputes vis a vis Election Law. All of this is a consequence of the fact that California has in its constitution an initiative and referendum process that is very liberal. Recall that few states in the union have the same and most have such process at all.

Posted by Karen
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Feb 21, 2008 at 9:25 am

Even if the Restraining order is lifted on Friday, it looks like the best bet is to assume the council will push this through to the June 3 election. BTW, do judges normally form and offer their decisions the same day, or do they take it under advisement then get back to us in a few days?

The election will be very intersting come Novemeber. If OG goes down BIG in June by a vote of the citizens of Pleasanton, and councilmember Sullivan and Mayor Hosterman are on record as supporting, their offices could be at risk. Canidate Dan Faustino has said he also supports OG.

If Ayala's statements are true, and I have no reason to doubt them, signature collection - even in the Thanksgiving Holiday timeframe was easy - the majority could stand against OG and against the two of them.

Posted by Karen
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Feb 21, 2008 at 9:28 am

Then there is the other option, as frank stated. If this goes to the Appellate courts and ultimately ends up on the November ballot... Again, the November election could be interesting with OG a pivotal issue that divides the voters of this town and helps characterize the candidates.

Posted by Karen
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Feb 28, 2008 at 10:19 am

Actually Angela, what I really want is for our Council to wake up and listen to their constituents. I strongly believe the majority of people in this town do NOT want OG, and they want their ridge lines & hilltops protected for perpetuity.

Since that is a smoke dream, I personally would like to see this on the ballot in June '08. If that doesn't happen, putting OG to a vote to the people in November would be more fun. Elected officials that voted in favor of OG, will find out just how commonly held their opinions are. It will also give the candidates a chance to fully present their points of view, which they claim they have NOT been able to do to the 5200 signers. Rather than promises, actual Council votes will reflect the Member's opinions and points of views.

The last Mayorial election was decided by less than 200 votes, and this could be a deciding factor. One thing is for sure, it will be a much bigger issue than improper use of email...

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Feb 28, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Karen,
As per the article in The Independent today regarding Pleasanton City Council's work plan for this year, I hope you are writing to City Council to encourage them to work on the development of a hillside ordinance if you truly care about this issue.